It took political satirist Ami Horowitz less than one hour to get 60 signatures [actually "over 50," he says on the video] from Yale University students signing a "petition" that calls for the repeal of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

You know, the one that guarantees freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom to assemble. No biggie.

"I think it's really awesome that you're out here," one student told Horowitz. Said another: "I think this is fantastic, I absolutely agree ..." Others chimed in with "love it" and similar expressions of support.

The video:

"I think the Constitution should be one big safe space..." says one of the students.

Comments

Beginning to think that a 3 year mandatory "country service" in the military (shame Congress' kids would be 'excluded' but ...) followed by 'free 2 year trade/college' period would be a good thing.

That's a Constitutional amendment I could get behind.

Bob in Texas
at December 17, 2015 3:19 AM

I wonder if it occurs to those kids that if the First Amendment didn't already exist, talking about it could get them thrown in jail. Probably not, because they expect that "their side" will always be in power, and that speech punishment is something to use against "the other". Funny how, in history, we can see how often that sort of strategy backfires. But they are too ignorant to know that, or too narcissistic to admit it.

I can recall that, going back to the mid-1970s, polls have pretty consistently shown that a majority of Americans would be in favor of putting constraints on the First Amendment. What stops it from happening is that different groups can't agree on what the constraints should be. They always want their speech to be unlimited; it's the political or cultural opposition that should be constrained.

Cousin Dave
at December 17, 2015 5:15 AM

I bet they are embarrassed now. Or will be in a couple years

NicoleK
at December 17, 2015 8:02 AM

I bet they are embarrassed now. Or will be in a couple years ~ Posted by: NicoleK at December 17, 2015 8:02 AM

Nope. Probably wondering what all the fuss is about - or blaming it on Fox News publishing a right-wing conspiracy story for its ignorati audience.

They really think the first amendment should be repealed or seriously overhauled.

Welcome to Cocoonville.

Conan the Grammarian
at December 17, 2015 9:43 AM

Having seen so many videos like this I do wonder are people just willing to sign any ol' petition that is stuck in their face?

"Here, please sign this petition to kill cute little puppies"

Let's see someone try that one. I'll bet there would be folks willing to sign it too.

charles
at December 17, 2015 10:43 AM

I'm with Conan NicoleK. None of these people see anything they did as wrong. No one they chose to associate with sees anything they did as wrong or even odd. It is just another reason to not interact with those ignorant evil savages who disagree with them.

Ben
at December 17, 2015 10:54 AM

There are some seriously "ignorant evil savages who disagree with them" who would make them long for the days of civil disagreement with fellow citizens of opposing political views. They might like the rule, but I guarantee they won't care for the ruler.

MarkD
at December 17, 2015 12:21 PM

I doubt they have ever seen a copy of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights or the Declaration of Independence, but they know who Rosa Parks is.

Bill O Rights
at December 17, 2015 6:06 PM

I dunno, I certainly have plenty of Ivy grads in my social circle and they're all pretty gung-ho about free speech. Granted, I'm 38, but I bet you when the job hunts start happening and they're adults out there, they will be embarrassed. Even if they exclusively hang out with Ivy league grads.

NicoleK
at December 18, 2015 2:25 AM

Yes, we have freedom of speech however in today's climate, I fear that we will censor ourselves to avoid repercussions.

I understand that freedom of speech does not mean freedom from the consequences of that speech but we've gone too far. We are judging and being judged by sound bites. I know that if my opinions here did not have some sort of privacy, I would be afraid to express myself as I have.

We have been warned about posting in social media. People may judge us and our employer if they do nota grew with our stance - and the tide of opinion may change.

Fur instance, we are encouraged to show our Chrustian faith. I can imagine that that tide can turn and amy pious proclamations could some day be used against people - and avoiding them now could be hurting my career.

Jen
at December 18, 2015 3:50 AM

This should be old news. Some schools have prohibited controversial speakers for years - even those invited to speak of the Constitution.